The Roubaix is a SUPER FUN race.. that is if you don't mind riding on gravel (some riders get freaked out by gravel). You will also need to be good at long distances, this can be a race of simple survival over raw power, but that depends on how the race plays out. Over all I'd say you need to be either good at wheel sucking or can hold your power for long distance... while this race is not that long the gravel can where you down quicker than pavement. If you've never done it I STRONGLY suggest you do it!

Thanks, Kris. I was actually inquiring on behalf of an out-of-state cyclist friend who is contemplating registering for this. (Sorry - he doesn't have computer access at the moment so I am playing middleman.) He's got tremendous respect for Boulder cycling, so I think he was wondering if this is an appropriate event for those who don't have a legitimate shot at crossing the line first - he'd actually like to utilize it as an early season intense training ride on his mountain bike if that's something other riders in his category (45-55) might be doing as well. Thanks again for any reply.

I'd suggest against the mountain bike, unless this person is strong they'd probably be racing most of the race by their self. But I would suggest this person to come out and ride that day on their mtb bike just to watch the race and have a front row set to all the action.

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